THE same people who make legs for Heather Mills have constructed a cosmetic limb for Swanage fireman's wife Mari Watson.

Mother-of-two Mari, 34, can now step out in strappy sandals and dresses, such is the incredibly realistic detail of her new right leg.

Costing £9,000 to make, the silicon limb is the result of months of sessions spent at the Ringwood-based Dorset Ortho-paedic Clinic.

It is all thanks to the generosity of people who supported an appeal launched by Mari in March 2002.

"The support of people has been amazing," said Mari. "People have been coming up to me asking how I am - I would like to say a big 'thank you' to everyone."

A mould was taken of her healthy left leg, then a careful selection of colours made to match up with her skin tone, details of veins and tiny follicles.

Mari said: "It does feel really strange and it is taking some practice to get used to walking in two-inch heels again but I am really pleased with it. It looks really good."

Mari suffered years of pain and countless operations after smashing her lower right leg in a fall as a teenager.

Three years ago she opted to have it amputated after repeated infections.

Next month Mari undergoes yet another operation - to fuse the two leg bones on the stump as they are splitting as she walks, causing pain.

The operation has only been done once on the NHS in this country. Mari credits South Dorset's Labour MP Jim Knight with persuading the health service to fund it.

A surgeon at the Hampshire Clinic at Basingstoke will perform the operation, using bone taken from the hip to create a bridge between the fibula and tibia.

Sadly, it will mean Mari spends four to six months on crutches.

"People say I have been on crutches before but that was three years ago - I'm not looking forward to losing my independence," she said.

First published: September 15